Not many have the personal constitution to detail areas in their skills set needing improvement. Listing what they do best comes easy but what needs work is generally a no-go area. Credit 6-foot-6, 210 guard Alex Martin of Las Positas College for his willingness to be open and honest.
The 6-foot-6 prospect currently averages 18.8 points each night, shooting 51% overall, 32% from long distance and 66% at the foul line. He’s also pulling down 9.1 rebounds a contest and currently he's tops on his team in both scoring and boards.
His analysis of what he brings to the table (actually, in this case the court) includes plusses and minuses. "My best skills as a basketball player are taking it coast to coast off of rebounds as a ball handler, driving to the rim, getting to the free throw line and making shots off the dribble. My glaring weakness as a player is a consistent three point shot and finding my teammates for more assists. So it's continuing to improve my skills as a passer and shooter."
In The Beginning
So why hoops as his choice of sports and not say baseball, football or fast-growing soccer? "I chose basketball as my sport growing up because of my natural feel and talent for the game and seeing guys like Kobe and Durant play growing up."
"My biggest influence is my Dad who has coached me all my life. He pushes me to be a better player every day and keeps me motivated. As well as my beautiful mother who recently passed away this last Spring. She motivated me to always stay positive and give my all to the things that I love.
Hoosier Hysteria In His Blood
"My Dad and his brothers all played in high school living in Indiana. Plus, my older brother, Chris Martin, played basketball at Bishop O’Dowd High but was also a high major football recruit."
Regarding his most memorable hoops memory, Martin offered, "My best moment on the basketball court during my time in juco was a game winner last year at home versus Contra Costa College. My older brother (Chris) was in attendance and I hadn’t seen him in a while. It was a special moment for my family and my previous team from last year (College of San Mateo)."
Offering Thanks
"As my basketball journey goes on, I would like to thank my father and my family who I devote this game to, and my coaches who have helped along the way. Coach (James) Giacomazzi from Las Positas College has been a great coach for me and only wants my success on the court. My former coach, Mike Marcial from College of San San Mateo, taught me a lot about college basketball and how to play harder, showing me the concepts of four-year basketball. I chose to transfer to Las Positas instead of some other schools that were closer by due to my familiarity with the coach and the fast tempo play style we have. I’m grateful for having the opportunity to play here, and being given a chance to show off some of my skill set."
Martin has given thought to what position he'll play come next season. "I feel as though my natural position at the four-year level is either small forward or shooting guard, I move naturally at the wing, being a secondary ball handler and being the point of attack."
As for leadership, "I see myself as a leader on our team with leading by example on the court, and making sure my teammates have a good attitude while the game is going on."
Martin concluded by saying, "I am a four-year qualifier after this spring and I hope to increase my interest after this season. I also hope to change my major from communications to Kinesiology or Business once I get to the next level."
He gets buckets and Martin's work on the boards is also a plus factor. Those two elements should prove enticing to four-year coaches.
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